The Neurodevelopment Learning Community is a pilot initiative of the Transforming Autism Care Consortium (TACC) that fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among healthcare practitioners, researchers, professionals from diverse fields, and individuals with living and lived experience. This initiative is a step in building inclusive systems of care.
Through virtual and in-person workshops, this growing community offers participants opportunities to exchange ideas, share expertise, and receive evidence-informed training.
Workshops that Transform Practice:
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) Workshop
This workshop helps professionals hone their diagnostic skills using the ADOS-2, a recognized assessment tool for autism. Participants learn to administer, score, and interpret the tool’s algorithms across developmental levels and language abilities. Julie, a psychologist from Napanee, Ontario, wrote:
“The trainer was excellent. Even in a virtual format, they created a strong connection with participants. It was enlightening to hear perspectives from pediatricians, psychologists, and clinicians working in different contexts.”
Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) Workshop
The ADI-R Workshop offers training for clinicians and researchers to enhance their use of this diagnostic tool. Participants practice coding through observed interviews, discuss challenges in real-world settings, and explore ways to incorporate parental feedback. Christabel, a psychologist from Singapore, shared:
“I valued the trainer’s honesty about the challenges of administering the ADI-R, even for seasoned professionals. Hearing parents’ insights about the interview process was invaluable.”
Master Trainer Workshop for WHO’s Caregivers Skills Training (CST) Program
This workshop empowers participants to train caregivers of young children with socio-communicative delays, including autism. Certified trainers guide participants in promoting shared engagement, social skills, and positive behaviours through daily routines. A participant remarked,
“The opportunity to practice and hear diverse approaches from others was incredibly valuable. The interactive sessions fostered collaborative learning.”
ECHO-Autism Workshop
The ECHO-Autism telementoring program is expanding autism care in Quebec. Using a “hub-and-spoke” model, it connects specialists with local healthcare providers to share best practices and present diverse clinical cases. Jie, a clinical psychology doctoral student in Montreal, reflected:
“This program broadened my understanding of autism across life stages and clinical contexts. It was an important learning experience.”
Developmental History-Taking for Neurodevelopmental Conditions Workshop
Effective evaluations for conditions like autism, ADHD, and Global Developmental Delay require comprehensive developmental histories. This workshop, led by licensed neuropsychologist Dr. Julie Scorah, equips healthcare practitioners with skills to conduct detailed interviews. Attendees gain insights into capturing past and present symptoms to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Mona, a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Quebec, wrote: “The facilitator had a lot of experience in this, and I appreciated the depth she went to. It was helpful to hear about the presence of certain symptoms and the absence, regression, or plateauing of others, in addition to determining when a skill was acquired and how.”
Why Join the Neurodevelopment Learning Community?
Each workshop is tailored to provide:
- Small group settings for interactive discussions
- Evidence-based tools and strategies
- Expertise from trainers experienced with diverse populations and cultures
- Accredited training that supports both clinical and research professionals
Join us
The Neurodevelopment Learning Community is more than training—it’s a catalyst for change. By fostering collaboration across sectors and centering the voices of people with living and lived experience, this initiative builds a stronger, more inclusive foundation for neurodevelopmental care.Visit our events page for upcoming workshops or join our mailing list for updates. For personalized training inquiries, contact us at trainingndd@mcgill.ca. Together, we can create systems that reflect the strengths and diversity of every individual.